Saturday, January 29, 2011

If you noticed the number of posts I made today, all concerning the oath of obligation, you may wonder why I am obsessed today with this particular subject. This is especially true of you who know me personally, for you know that I work through things in an intense research-monkey style.

Well, yesterday on one of the Golden Dawn based forums on Yahoo, I read a post where someone told another member that it was against tradition for them to even acknowledge what city the lodge they joined was located in. Obviously, they are using the strictest version of the oath of obligation.

Most of us are not bound by the strictest version, even when it reads like the strictest version. For instance, the primary oath that I have to obey is an override oath---it requires me to preserve the system by any means I feel are necessary (it was a dying lodge---what more do you need to know) and help some people (not everyone---I get to chose who I help).

Then a thought occurred to me late last night. Given that the population of the online PUBLIC forums tends to be self-initiates or not initiates at all, and not Order members, I found myself curious about the oaths that self-initiates were taking. Looking over the oaths, there are some surprises, especially if you are used to thinking of the system by the strictest version of the obligation.

For instance, there is nothing in the self-initiation oaths that prevent a person from admitting that they are studying the Golden Dawn system. There is nothing prevented them from talking with one another on forums, or blogging about their experiences (there are some that will argue with me on that point---of course, I am presuming that if you are seeking out Golden Dawn forums and blogs that you are a seeker of the Light). There is nothing preventing them from exchanging rumors about the location of Golden Dawn lodges and possible contact personnel. And there is nothing about them having to hide the higher mysteries if they learn them under a bushel hidden from the sight of humanity (ok, maybe Kraig does---but it is more along the lines of not exposing people to information before they are ready for it).

The lesson here is to be cautious about judging whether or not someone is breaking their oath; they may not have taken the version of the oath that you think that they are breaking. And that applies to more than just self-initiates (many modern Orders do not use the strictest version of the obligation).

My advice is to judge students of the Golden Dawn tradition (same goes for Wiccans, pagans, and other esoteric traditions) by whether or not you would want to become more like that person. Heck with the oath. You become more like the people that you hang around with---if you don't want to become like that person: RUN AWAY!

There are some slight differences between the oath of obligations presented by Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero in their book Self-Initiation Into the Golden Dawn Tradition and those presented by other self-intiation systems.

For instance, Donald Michael Kraig (in the first edition of Modern Magick---Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts) adds "[I promise] to keep secret all of my occult knowledge from any and all whom I deem unworthy due to their evil intents or lying ways. I undertake to prosecute with zeal the study of occult sciences for the betterment of myself and the betterment of all humanity."

Furthermore, Kraig changes the penalty for breaking the oath to "I realize that should I willfully break this, my magical oath, that I shall be known as a perjuring wretch, void of all moral worth and unfit for the society of all right and true persons. Furthermore, should I break this, my magicakal oath, may my weapons turn against me or turn to dust, and may all of my magick and rituals be for naught, so help me the Lord of the universe and my own higher soul."

Kraig pointed out that the preceeding ritual that this oath is from is actually a "self-dedication" and not a self-initiation.---MDE 4 Feb 2011

There are also some interesting things in the Adept Minor "self-obligation" oath that he provides. The most interesting is probably "I will not claim to be anything more than I am, a student of the magickal way of life, light, love and freedom. Not being an initiate of an Order, I will not initiate anyone."

Another oath that has some differences from the Cicero version is the one from the Thelemic Golden Dawn. The part that leaps out is the fact that one will keep "all real secrets and true mysteries" of the TGD safe.

{The Oath of Obligation of the Neophyte Self-Initiation Ritual by Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero. Changes are enclosed in square brackets---MDE.}

I am truly willing to take a solemn obligation in the presence of this assembly [of god-forms and symbolism] to uphold the sacred Mysteries and the current of the Light. I understand that there is nothing contrary to my civil, moral or religious duties in this obligation. Although the magical virtues can indeed awaken into momentary life in the wicked and foolish hearts, they cannot reign in any heart that has not the natural virtues to be their throne.

I, [Frater/Soror XYZ], in the Presence of the Lord of the Universe, who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express, and in this Hall of the Neophytes of the current of Golden Dawn, do, of my own free will, hereby and hereon, most solemnly promise by on this holy symbol of the Light, [the Red Cross crowning the White Triangle,] to dedicate my life to the pursuit of the mysteries of the mysteries of the Golden Dawn tradition of magic, and to the completion of the Great Work. I solemnly promise to persevere with courage and determination in the labors of the Divine Science, even as I shall persevere with courage and determination through this ceremony which is their image. I pledge from this day forward to strive with enthusiasm and devotion, in the study of the Hermetic Arts, seeing that such teachings are not given to those who wish only a cursory knowledge thereof.

I undertake to maintain a kindly and benevolent relation with all true seekers of the Light. I will respect all religions, seeing that all faiths contain a ray of the ineffable Light which I seek.

I pledge that I will not suffer myself to be placed in such a state of passivity, that any person, power, or being may cause me to lose control of my words, thoughts, or actions.

I vow that I will not debase my mystical knowledge in the labor of Evil magic at any time tried or under any temptation.

I solemnly promise not to flaunt or parade any knowledge I mayy acquire to those who are not seekers of the Light, lest our sacred Knowledge be profaned through my error, vanity, or neglect.

I swear upon this holy symbol to observe all these things without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation. Furthermore, if I break this my magical obligation, I submit myself by my own consent, to a punitive stream of power, set in motion by the Divine Guardians of this current, who live in the Light of their perfect justice, and before whom my souls now stands.

They journey upon the winds, they strike where no one strikes, they slay where no one slays.

And as I bow my neck under the sword of the Hiereus [and almighty Horus], so do I commit myself unto their hands for vengeance or reward. So help me my mighty and secret Soul, and the Creator of my Soul who works in silence and whom naught but silence can express.

{The Oaths of Obligations of the elemental Grades from the Self-Initiation Into the Golden Dawn Tradition by Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero.}

Zelator:

I, (Frater/Soror) XYZ, pledge to maintain and uphold the mysteries of this Grade, just as I am pledged to maintain those of the 0=0 Grade, never to flaunt or reveal them to those who are not true seekers of the Light Divine. I swear this by the Earth whereon I kneel. Let the Powers of Earth witness my pledge. Let my pledge be confirmed with Water and Fire.

Theoricus:

I, (Frater/Soror) XYZ, solemnly pledge to maintain and uphold the mysteries of the 32nd Path of the 2=9 Grade of Theoricus, just as I am pledged to maintain those of the preceding Grades. I swear by the Firmament of Heaven. Let the Powers of Air witness my pledge.

Practicus:

I, (Frater/Soror) XYZ, solemnly pledge to maintain and uphold the mysteries of the 31st and 30th Paths and of the Grade of Practicus, just as I am pledged to maintain those of the preceding Grades. I swear by the Abyss of the Waters. Let the Powers of Water witness my pledge.

Philosophus:

I, (Frater/Soror) XYZ, solemnly pledge to maintain and uphold the mysteries of the 29th, 28th, and 27th Paths, and of the 4=7 Grade of Philosophus, just as I am pledged to maintain those of the preceding Grades. I swear by the element of Fire. Let the Powers of Fire witness my pledge.

[B]ecause of the increased influence that such advancement [to the Portal Grade] necessarily confers, and because of the increased power for good or for evil that will follow if, with steadfast will and aspiration, I take this step in essence as well as in form, it is necessary that I make further pledges which, as in the Previous Degree, contain nothing contrary to my civil, moral or religious duties.

[I willing take these pledges.]

I, (Frater/Soror) XYZ, pledge never to flaunt or parade the secrets of this ceremony to those who are not true seekers of the Light. I shall not abase my mystical knowledge in such a mundane manner.

Secondly, I solemnly promise to use whatever practical knowledge I may now or at any future time possess, for a good end alone.

Thirdly, I promise to regard all the knowledge imparted to me as a trust, given into my hands, not for my selfish advantage, but for the service of all mankind, that the ancient tradition of initiation be kept pure and undefiled, and the Light not be lost for those that seek it in this path.

Lastly, I solemnly promise to exercise brotherly love, charity and forbearance towards all true Seekers of the Divine Light.

[By Cross, Banner, Candle,] May the Powers of the Elements bear witness to my pledges.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

This morning started out with me wondering what the proper burial rites were for a centipede. My wife chanced upon a "giant" centipede that had gotten into the tub this morning, and hosed it down with bug spray.

(The definition of "big," "giant," and "monstrous" applies to all centipedes and millipedes. They basically creep out my wife, myself, and everyone else I know. If you are not creeped out by them, please leave your shipping address in the comment section...and we will get back to you.)

Then my wife shut the bathroom door, so the cats would not eat the dead poisoned centipede as a snack; and left me a note about it. Yes, she stuck me with figuring out what to do with the corpse.

(Actually this was polite. If I would have been awoke, I would had to kill the many-legged horror. I have to give her points for letting me sleep.)

So that is how I ended up musing about what the proper burial rites were for a centipede. I picked it up with a piece of toliet paper and flushed it down the toliet. I also wondered if there is a bug heaven out there...but that is probably just too silly.

(For those who have been following my changing college class lineup: Today, I ended up buying another one hundred and fifty dollars worth of textbooks. And I am still short three books. I would blame it on the ghost of the centipede, but the truth is that I happen to like taking college history history classes that require a person to read a dozen books.)

Nevertheless, I am going to share some of them with you. Free feel to mock me in the comment section.

Before the current semester started, I was reading the Harry Potter books. In my defense, it is my first time reading any of them past the first two books; and considering that the Fall 2011 senior seminar in Literature is going to be Children Classics for Adults (The Hobbit, A Winkle in Time, Alice in Wonderland, and other books which titles escape me at the moment), I thought I would finish the series before the summer was over (I am only 23% of the way though book 5---Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix---so I do have a ways to go still). And during the course of my reading, I decided that I want Potter's wand (or one of the same family).

While we joke in ceremonial circles (or at least I do), that Harry Potter's wand is a wimpy wand (it is so small)---just look at the stuff that wand can do. My own wand can barely convince the cat to get off the kitchen counter. In fact, my cat thinks that the lotus is good for itching his face against. (I get no respect, I tell you.)

As for the amount of information about wand use that I have picked up in Golden Dawn circles, well before dealing with my current Advanced Adept Advisor, it mainly came from the Thelemic Golden Dawn (which I spent a year in). Or at least, the information that the rest of the Golden Dawn community would find acceptable.

(Hathoor Temple did have some teachings about the wands and their use, but the information is not the type that the rest of the Golden Dawn community embraces. It is one of those times that if you only know Regardie's stuff, then the practices of a working lodge look highly wrong and downright awful.)

Honestly, as I noted in a post to the wand discussion (whether it was true or just a joke is for the reader to decide), I picked up more about proper wand use when I was a kid and studying sleight-of-hand and stage magic. One of the things that has been said in the discussion is that a wand is supposed to be used without thinking about it (you know it so well it is an extension of you). That sums up what a stage magician would say about using a wand, if you ignore the bits about distraction and showmanship.

There is a section in one of the Potter books (it may be in one of the movies also) where part of learning a spell is practicing the proper swishing motion with the wands. Outside of practicing the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram in a group setting, both in TGD and in a couple of classes at the local occult shops, I have no training in how to "swish" a wand correctly. (Or is it "swosh"?)

My current Advanced Adept Advisor has addressed some of these issues with me. (If you are curious, they belong to the awful and completely wrong version of Golden Dawn, especially if you think Regardie is the only way to do things.) I pass the information onto my lodge (which makes them completely and utterly wrong also).

Another thought about the wands in the world of Harry Potter: the core of the wands contain magical stuff. In the case of Harry's and Voldermort's wands, it is a phoenix feather (both from the same bird). This reminds me of two things.

First, the Golden Dawn Fire Wand which contains an iron rod that is magnetized (if you go by the literature). Second, it reminds me of the liquid condensors of the Franz Bardon school of magic. Make what you will of those two ideas.

My final thought about wands for today is how flashy some of the wands are in the occult shops and on the internet. Crystals wrapped with feathers wired to a tree branch. And all for the sweet price of a couple of hundred dollars. I am sorry...is it a cat toy? Or something else?

(And if you are curious, my wands, like my Enochian Chess set, are runner-ups in the world's ugliest and worst made magical tools. Blame it on me making them myself.)

And if you are an author of a blog on Blogger, ask yourself what you would do if your blog suddenly disappeared...remember frequent backups of your material is as important as regular banishing rituals.

Monday, January 17, 2011

One of the things that I find depressing about the esoteric field is the number of people who say (more or less):

"I am a prophet, authorized by the great spirit EERTYMFOTUO, to spread the word of my wisdom. And as a prophet, I do not have to worry about spelling, grammar, formatting, or even logic."

Yes, last night I was (trying) to read the writing of someone who claims such...and an army of goblin editors died in shame. The person literally came out and said that spending the word about their insights of a particular magical system was more important than making their insights actually readable.

(No, I am not going to mention names or the exact subject matter; just fill it in with the latest crackpot that you encountered and this becomes a timeless blog post.)

I am sorry, but unless your works (writings) make sense and are readable, no one is going to pass them onto their friends. And odds are that if a spirit has authorized you to spread unedited occult insights all over the internet, that spirit is the demon OGE. Even if the spirit is another one, maybe even IHVH himself, them telling you that you do not need to edit your material is a LIE.

The sad truth of the matter is that most prophets, both false and true, are not writers. There have been notably exceptations in the past, but odds are that you are not one of them. Especially if you think that the genius of your ideas is more important than making sure your insights confirm to the standards of educated, written English (or whatever lanuage you are writing in).

So please, if you are a prophet or guru, summon up an editor or ghost writer...because the world's best idea is useless if we consider flushing it down the toliet because your spelling and grammar stinks.

[I would like to extend a big thanks to my friend Stephanie J. Reisner, whose post "All the Frauds and Impostors are... Not?" inspired the title of this post. Her post was about how real writers tend to feel like frauds. I had been thinking about what to entitle this post for hours when I saw her title and realized the perfect title for this post.]

Saturday, January 15, 2011

This past week, one of the things that went viral on the internet was the tidbit about how the twelve zodiac sign system should really be a thirteen sign system.

I guess it was a slows news day and no one wanted to read about 2012 anymore.

Honestly, this was old news. As in astronomers have been pointing out that astrology is not a science for at least a century...ok, maybe not that long, but at least from the 1960s. And then there was the 1980s. I wonder if I am the only one that remembers the big fuss over Ronald Reagan consulting an astrologer.

Astrologers have known for a long time that the zodiac signs do not match up to the constellations. For about two thousand years. If you are properly trained as an astrologer (in my less than humble opinion), you know that the zodiac you are using bears little relationship to the actual constellations as we know them today. Astrology works despite this. But someone thought that we needed a system to address the problem.

That "new and improved" thirteen zodiac sign system is Constellational Zodiac. There are some problems with it.

But first, what are the other two main zodiac systems?

There is the Tropical Zodiac, which divides the ecliptic (the sun's apparent path though the heavens) into twelve equal parts of thirty degrees apiece. This is your standard Western astrology, including the type most hated by astronomers---sun sign astrology. The Tropical Zodiac ignores precession (the drifting of the Vernal Equinox westward by one degree every 72 years). The Tropical Zodiac setpoint is the Vernal Equinox; it is annually adjusted to be measured from that point in time and space.

The other type is the Sidereal Zodiac. The Sidereal, which is typically used in Eastern astrology, takes in precession. The Sidereal Zodiac is measured from a particular setpoint, typically zero degree of Sidereal Aries, but not always (the RR et AC esoteric version of astrology, a form of sidereal astrology, is measured from Regulus which is considered the zero degree of Sidereal Leo). Those who support the Sidereal Zodiac argue that it keeps the zodiac in line with the constellations. Well, not really---sidereal astrology also divides the ecliptic into twelve equal parts.

Enter the 1990s and the arrival of the Constellational Zodiac. It measures the ecliptic based on the actual constellations. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with this system; all of which seemed to be designed to drive people out of astrology.

First, the constellations that we have today are not the constellations from two thousand years ago. For instance, at one time, the constellation Libra did not exist, and the constellation Scorpio was longer than its current size. The constellations do not take up the same amount of space along the ecliptic either. For instance, Libra is only 21 degrees long (the shortest of the constellations); Virgo, on the other hand, is 46 degrees in length (being one of the longest constellations).

Second, two thousand years ago, the constellation Ophiuchus did not exist. There is also the fact that the entire corpus of astrological lore is based on a twelve sign, 360 degree system. Throwing a 13th sign in means that everything must be rethought and reinvented. For instance, thirteen signs implies that there should be thirteen houses. Of course, that is probably why the astronomers like it---heavens knows that science would like to get rid of esoteric art and philosophy.

Correction (16 Jan 20111): Ophiuchus was known since at least 130 BCE---so the question is why didn't the ancient astrologers use it?

Third, and most importantly, the math to use this system will really s***. I am a professional astrologer (in the sense I get paid to write a monthly astrology column for a college newspaper), and I have no reference tables to figure this new system out. For instance, take a look at the new dates for the signs. See how each sign shares two dates with the adjoining signs? Flip a coin if you are born on those dates.

For the record, I will continue to use the Tropical Zodiac (though I do note where Regulus is---after all, I am a working magician). I don't think that the Tropical Zodiac is busted, and this is despite the little astronomical training I have (college class, some hobby time---what can I say). And if you do want to experiment with constellational astrology, just note where the constellations are in relation to the zodiac system that you already use (much like marking where the fixed star Regulus is).

[I will post a list of the current constellation boundary points are as soon as I figure all of them out. In the meantime, here are the new dates that science would like us to use for the signs.]

The problem with trying to come with an answer for why Outer Order members wear black robes and red shoes is that the answer also has to fit the Inner Order robes and shoes; it must also cover the uniform of those past the Adept Grades (whether or not they have a different color of robe and shoes). Any answer that focuses just on the Outer Order is probably missing the boat; and considering that there are few indications of how those past the Adept Grades appear, it is probably best to say that all answers about this subject are merely guesses given the incomplete information that most students have.---Morgan Drake Eckstein

I will admit that I have used the Law of Attraction as a magical model or guideline. Every once in awhile, you run into someone who has worked a spell and you can see their real focus is on their debt, or lack of a love life, or their illness, or whatever. And you can just see where all their energy is going. When I notice this, provided that the person is a reasonably open-minded person, I will point it out to them.

I do not mention the Law of Attraction or The Secret. Mainly because most of my friends would mock me for doing so. Especially the monkey loving lodge member.

So why is my universe currently throwing The Secret at me? If the universe is in one long conversation with me, then what is the universe trying to tell me?

I think that the message is that I need to continue to focus on my long term goals, and that I should not let the current bad state of circumstances derail my plans (monetary problems if you are curious---same as everyone in the current economy). So the universe tossing mentions of the Law of Attraction at me is merely the universe trying to give me a hug and a reminder that in the end everything will work out fine as long as I stick to working on my long range goals (getting my college degree and finishing large hunks of writing).

In other words, Work equals Prayer, and the Goddess will Provide to those who Work. It is not how most people would read the conversation, but it is how I choose to.

I long ago lost track of the number of times I’ve heard people in one or another corner of the activist scene throw up their hands in despair and describe the task of organizing people to seek some form of change or other as being like trying to herd cats. In point of fact, herding cats is one of the easiest things in the world. All you have to do is go to the place you want the cats to go, carrying with you a #10 can of tuna and an electric can opener. The moment the cats hear the whirr of the can opener and smell the fragrance of the tuna, they’ll come at a run, and you’ll have your herd exactly where you want them. Now of course that strategy assumes two things. It assumes that you’re willing to go to the place you want the cats to go, and it also assumes that you have something to offer them when they get there.

Given the number of times, my friends and I have joked about herding cats, the quote is just too good not to share. And if you want to understand why the climate change movement is failing flat on its face, go read his entire post.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Over on Adventures in Witchery, Veles posted his response to one of those pagan surveys that we get asked to full out in the forums when we join. I tend not to fill them out. Mainly, because like Veles, I find some of the questions to be sub-par (ok, idiotic). Fortunately, I have not ran into the Golden Dawn/ceremonial magic version (though I suspect that there is one out there someplace).

So here are my responses to the same pagan survey...I might not be a nice person.

Basics

Do you have a magical/Pagan name? No, what I have is a pen name and a motto. The second motto I took in Golden Dawn was Morgana Draconis, and I used a variation of it for my pen name. Over my magical career, I have adopted a dozon mottos (each new Order requires a new motto, go figure), but I have never taken on a magical name...unless Smart-A** counts.

What does it mean? It means that if I am going to be called an evil person, then I am going to be the best evil person that I can be.

How did you find Paganism? I think that it found me.

How long have you been practicing? I have been a Witch since 1979, and a card-carrying member of Golden Dawn since 1992.

Solitary or group practitioner? What day of the week is it? And what am I working on?

What is your path? The Viking path of you didn't bolt down your Egyptian gods and goddesses, an equal opportunity path of theft and misappropriation disguised as mercantilism and Victorian pragmatism.

Are you out of the broom closet? Yes, since 1979. It made my mother sad.

Deity

Who is your patron God? What day of the week is it? What am I working on?

Who is your patron Goddess? Bast, and whoever else decides to show up today.

What Gods do you worship? What day of the week is it? What am I working on?

Do you fear darkly aspected Gods/Goddesses? Or do you respect them? Hail Sekmet! Hail Odin! Hail Loki! Hail the Baron! My gods and goddesses eat fluff bunnies and new agers for breakfast.

Do you worship the Christian God? Isn't he the jealous one? Or is he the Gnostic?

Do you ever worship animals? Of course, I am owned by cats.

Or plants? Chocolate, cafferine, sugar beets, sugar cane, and corn.

Nature

Do you regularly commune in nature? Does talking to a friend while working in my herb garden count?

Ever walked barefoot in the woods? No. Isn't that dangerous?

Taken a camping trip just to talk to nature? Camping?! You are kidding, right?! Camping is for drinking and shooting.

Describe the moment that you felt closest to Mother Earth? I think that would be the time I fell off a roof.

Do you have a familiar? No. I am owned by cats, and pets are forbidden by them.

Have you ever called upon the power of an animal in ritual? Kitty, I am trying to mediate here---quit kneading my lap.

Or a plant? There is not enourgh mugwort in the incense burner if you can see the person on the other side of the room.

Do you hug trees? Only if I am about to vomit.

Give them gifts? Water and compost. And thanks when I harvest them.

What is your favorite flower to work with? Marigolds for honoring the dead.

What is your favorite tree to work with? Plum trees makes great wands.

Wheel of the Year

What is your favorite holiday? Halloween.

What is your least favorite holiday? How can you dislike holidays?

Have you ever held a ritual on a holiday? Yes.

Have you ever taken a day off to celebrate a Pagan holiday? No, but I have taken days off to recover from them.

Do you celebrate Yule on December 21st rather than the 25th? I celebrate both.

Have you ever felt the veil thin? Which one? Yes on many of them.

Ever danced the Maypole? Yes. Passerbys looked at us strangely.

Know what the Maypole symbolizes? *giggle*

How do you usually celebrate the Pagan holidays? With laughter.

Divination

Do you use the Tarot? Tarot is not just for divination anymore.

Do you use runes? Runes are not just for divination anymore.

Do you use a pendulum? Only when my Advanced Adept Advisor insists that I use it.

Do you use dowsing rods? You mean that coat hanger I cut up?

Do you use astrology? Astrology is not just for divination anymore.

Any other form of divination? Is your form of divination bolted down?

Spells

What was the first spell that you did? Invisible friend.

What was the latest? Ask me again in ten minutes.

Ever done a love spell? Yes. Though it was more of a "Find someone willing to put up with my insanity" spell.

A job spell? In this economy? You are kidding, right? And does using a "Find new employee" spell count as a job spell?

A healing spell? I am not sure if I would call it a spell.

What was the most powerful spell you have ever performed? This is a very badly worded question. Are we measuring this by EKP? Or results? Or the number of people annoyed?

What deities do you usually call on? What day of the week is it? What am I working on?

Cryptozoology

Do you believe in Vampires? What type? And do CEOs count?

Werewolves? Maybe.

Shapeshifters? Define shapeshifting.

Elves? Cookies!!!!

Fairies? Yes.

Dragons? What nationality?

Nymphs? I once dated a nymph.

Sprites? Ain't they fairies?

Mermaids? Am I going on an ocean journey?

Satyrs? Ain't they fairies also?

Ever "seen" any of the above? Why would I want to admit that I have seen things without the liberal use of drugs?

Ever talked to any of the above? Only when they keep hiding my stuff, tangling my hair, and untying my shoes.

Ever used any of the above in magic? I now have a rule about inviting them into my workspace.

Do you have one of them as a personal guardian? Do I look like a trusting soul?

Random

Do you see a rabbit, man or woman in the moon? Only the aliens that crashlanded on it.

Own a cat? No. Several cats own me.

When you meditate, what does your happy place look like? What day is it? What am I working on?

Do you work with Charkas? What day is it? What am I working on?

Do you believe in past lives? Yes.

If so, describe a few briefly. Nameless scribe, ancient Egypt. Been in several wars. Low profile stuff.

Do you believe in soul mates? Those would be the "lifetime sentence" people, right?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Apologies to all; this post might be more suitable to my Nerd Blog, but I figure the audience here will get a bigger chuckle from this post. And yes, I am sorry...I play Zynga's Vampire Wars on Facebook (small problem with not being able to sleep if I do studying or writing at a late hour; therefore, I play games on social networks).

The latest Limited Edition Ability Set to be won in Akem's Gamble (drum roll please): Crowley's Heresy

Yep, in the world of Vampire Wars, Crowley is a heretic. Go figure.

It is a typical Limited Ability Set (twenty days to collect the full set).

The first ability is Aiwass' Beckoning. Available January 5, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Aiwass' Beckoning is a movement ability (86 attack, 82 defense).

The second ability is Aeon of Isis. Available January 9, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Aeon of Isis is a defensive ability (66 attack, 102 defense).

The third ability is Aeon of Horus. Available January 14, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Aeon of Horus is a DEFENSIVE ability (63 attack, 105 attack).

Yes, you heard me right; Aeon of Horus is Defensive. But wait, it gets better.

The fourth ability is Aeon of Osiris. Available January 19, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Aeon of Osiris is an OFFENSIVE ability (101 attack, 67 defense).

Yes, that is right. The silly people at Zynga have (for one reason or another) decided that Horus is more defensive, and Osiris is more offensive. And so it goes. Oh well, it is just a silly game.

As always with the Limited Edition Ability sets, if by some miracle (or if you have a lot of favor points to burn, typically brought with hard cold cash), if you manage to collect all four of the abilities, you get a special ability as a capstone prize. In the case of the Crowley's Heresy Limited Edition Set, the big bonus ability is Master Therion (illustrated with a picture of the infamous Aleister Crowley making shadow puppets on the wall), an offensive ability that grants 183 attack and 82 defense.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The project that I am currently working on is a set of coloring pages based on the alchemical text Splendor Solis. The picture is a rough draft of one of the pages. I am not sure how many changes are going to occur between now and when I get the project finished. Nor am I sure of the form that the final stage is going to take; I am thinking an ebook (pdf), and possibly a pod (print on demand) book. The idea for this project came from the work that I am currently doing (studying the Splendor Solis) and the Tarot work I have done in the past (I found coloring the Keys to be very useful).

About Me

Morgan Drake Eckstein is a novelist and occult writer living in Denver, Colorado. He writes everything from science fiction and urban fantasy to erotica. He graduated from the University of Colorado with two Bachelor degrees (History and Literary Studies). Besides writing, Morgan does photography, book cover and Tarot art, and cartooning. In his spare time, he is an officer of Bast Temple, a small local Golden Dawn lodge in Denver, Colorado (BIORC in the Inner), and writes a monthly newsletter column for the Hearthstone Community Church ("The Open Full Moon People").